Description
Soon after the start, a 4km long ascent begins on tarmac and gravel over the Ginselberg and on to the Reinsberg. The rapid descent down to just before Gaming cools the beads of sweat and you cycle past the Gaming Charterhouse on a rhythmic ascent to Pfaffenschlag - an asphalt ascent next to the Ötscherland Express, the nostalgic train between Kienberg and Lunz am See. Once in the village, it is worth taking a short detour to the lake (including a stop at the castle tavern at the end of the road) and back.
The route continues idyllically along the Ois river on a gravel road to Langau and further slightly uphill to Lackenhof, where there is a great view of the "father mountain" Ötscher. The route leads into the Ötscher-Tormäuer Nature Park - through forests and later along the Erlauf - far away from civilisation and traffic.
The last few kilometres lead along the Erlauftal cycle path back to Scheibbs.
Starting point of the tour
Scheibbs railway station
Destination point of the tour
Scheibbs railway station
Route description Gravel tour Ötscherland
From the start at Scheibbs railway station, follow the "Ginselberg route" (MTB trekking tour) - an approximately 4 km long ascent, first on asphalt, later on gravel. This is followed by a relatively long section on tarmac - you leave the Ginselberg route in the direction of Hirmhof and shortly afterwards reach the top of the Reinsberg and the junction with the L6155. The descent down into the Erlauftal valley until shortly before Gaming is characterised by some very tight bends on potholed asphalt (CAUTION!!!).
A stretch along the Erlauftal cycle path through Gaming and past the Charterhouse before leaving the main road on the right at the start of the climb towards Pfaffenschlag. A rhythmic, not too steep ascent on asphalt follows - the descent to Lunz am See is characterised in the same way.
Quickly to the lake and back (very worthwhile!!) and after the village turn off in the direction of Lackenhof, where you cycle - initially on tarmac, later over a narrow bridge to a gravel path - always along the Ois (= headwaters of the Ybbs). Cross Langau and follow the "Ötscher Trekking Tour" MTB signs to reach the Ötscher village of Lackenhof 4 kilometres later.
After the town circuit, there is a short ascent to Raneck (tarmac) and immediately afterwards a long, in places quite steep (be careful!) descent on gravel down to the Erlauf. Cycle downstream along the river to the junction with the Erlauftal cycle path and follow this for the last few kilometres to Scheibbs.
ÖBB to/from Scheibbs station (change from Westbahn from Ybbs, partly St. Pölten). Bicycle transport may require reservation, + recommended.
